New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been tasked with tracking down the terrorists and their handlers who were responsible for the gruesome killing of 26 people in Pahalgam on April 22.
It is already known that the terrorists were in Kashmir for about a week before carrying out the attack to do recces. Now, it has emerged that they had planned to target tourists in Srinagar days before shooting down the innocent civilians in Baisaran valley, 5 kilometres from Pahalgam.
Intelligence agencies had warned of a potential strike targeting tourists, particularly those staying in hotels on the outskirts of Srinagar, near the foothills of Zabarwan range, PTI reported on Saturday citing officials.
Responding to the intel alert, security was ramped up in Dachigam, Nishat and surrounding areas, while top officials of police and security forces supervised intensified combing operations in Srinagar.
Based on the warnings, a fortnight-long security operation was conducted, but no significant lead was found. Ironically, the operation concluded on April 22, the day terrorists struck in Pahalgam.
There were also inputs suggesting terrorists intended to carry out attacks during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to flag off the inaugural train from Katra to Srinagar last month. It’s no secret that Pakistan are not happy with this landmark railway project, which will integrate the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network.
PM Modi’s visit on April 19 was ultimately postponed due to weather conditions, but officials believe the attackers aimed to overshadow the event with violent acts.
